The pros and cons of online personal training

The concept of Online Personal Training is quickly gaining popularity on a global scale. Online training is very much the same as training in person: you receive a program customized specifically for you and work towards your goals with professional guidance. There's one important difference: your trainer is not standing next to you.

Although online personal training can be an invaluable and time-efficient way to train for some, others may miss having face to face communication. There are pros and cons to be weighed if you're considering online personal training. Here's how you can find out what works best for you:

The pros of online personal training

1. Easy Access to Expert Advice: Many fitness professionals offer online training. This allows millions of consumers to access expert advice from anywhere in the world, rather than being limited to a handful of personal trainers within their home gym. There are clients in the US who receive health and fitness support from fitness trainers in the UK. There are clients in Australia who are following fitness direction from sought-after trainers in Canada.

2. Less Expensive: Personal 1:1 training can become quite expensive, especially if you are seeking a session 2-3 times per week. As personal trainers become reputable, they quite often become booked and inevitably, their cost per session will increase. Quite often, you may receive online training at a fraction of the cost.

3. Ongoing Support: Many online trainers provide comprehensive fitness and nutrition plans that are built into their initial upfront cost. Online personal trainers often provide ongoing access, including weekly updates through email or text. Although personal trainers within the gym will write you a comprehensive fitness plan, you will have to opportunity to ask questions during your scheduled time with them. They may provide additional services, such as meal plans and extra support, however, this may come with an extra cost.

4. Freedom of Location and Time: When you receive your personal program, you can use it anytime, anywhere. This is amazing for those who often travel or work unconventional hours. Freedom from gym hours for these types of individuals is key.

The cons of online personal training

1. Motivation: Lack of follow-through is detrimental, regardless of how amazing your training program is. Some people need the external motivation to meet with somebody. This gives them the extra motivation to get to the gym and finish their workout. Online training is beneficial for those who have found their intrinsic motivation and are prepared to follow through with a plan.

2. No one to spot you: With online personal training, you will not have a trainer beside you to spot you or ensure proper technique. This could lead to possible injury and it may also drastically reduce the efficiency of your workout. This however, is easily compensated through the use of online videos or live dramatization with your online trainer.

Final Judgement:

Online training works. You can find stunning transformation photos from people all over the internet who followed through with programs without ever sitting face to face with their personal trainer! Overall, online personal training is recommended for those who have internalized motivation and are seasoned within the gym.

About the author

Krysta is a certified personal trainer and holistic nutritional coach. Learn more about her here.